I think my header says it all. This Zelens Power C High Potency Vitamin C Treatment Drops is singularly, THE BEST Vitamin C serum I’ve ever used. It’s even dethroned the other Vitamin C serum that I swore by. It isn’t to say of course, that the Dr. Brandt one is no good. It is. But in a straight fight, I’d pick this Zelens one, in a heartbeat.
To be honest, I’ve been conflicted about telling you about this wonderful product for a long time. I’ve been using it for the most part of at least 5 months now. But I know that telling you about the Zelens Power C Treatment Drops (for ease of reference) means I’d have people moaning at me “It’s so expensive!” and I’d lose my secret to clearer, brighter skin LOL! 😀
Oh yes, selfish ol’ me 😛
Zelens is a brand I came across from following British skincare blogs. Founded by Dr. Marko Lens, it boasts a combination of science-based ingredients, in a plant-based formula. It comes highly rated by respected bloggers. My first brush with the brand came in the form of a sample tube of the Zelens 3T Complex Essential Anti-aging cream. My god, I love it! If you have drier skin, it is beautiful.
So, when I came across the Zelens Power C Treatment Drops, and saw that it was a Vitamin C serum (an ingredient I love!), and it was on sale on SpaceNK (which was clearing stock as they no longer sell the brand) I pounced without thinking twice!
When we talk about Vitamin C, often, we are warned about Vitamin C products that come in clear bottles. This, we are told, allows light in, to oxidise the product within. So, has my very expensive serum oxidised?
The answer is no. This is the original colour of the Zelens Power C Treatment Drops. It is clear, with a yellow tint to the product. The colour, clarity and texture has not changed in the past 5 months I’ve been using it. I am however, a wee bit paranoid, so I always store it in its box 😛
Vitamin C used – Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
The reason that the Zelens Power C Treatment Drops does not oxidise, as we often notice in Vitamin C products, is because it uses a different form of Vitamin C – Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate. This, based on my little research, is a new form of Vitamin C derived from a tetraester of ascorbic acid and isopalmitic acid. It is oil-soluble (which explains the texture of this product – more on it below), allowing it to penetrate the skin better, and is supposed to be the most stable form of Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate also can be used in higher concentrations, and I’ve noticed that it is comfortably used in 20% concentrations, which is also the concentration of Vitamin C in this Zelens Power C Treatment Drops. Higher concentrations and a superior delivery to the skin means it works better and more effectively, while being possibly, less irritating.
Like all Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate will fight free radicals that cause premature aging, brighten the complexion, boost collagen production and boost sun protection when used with sunscreen.
Zelens Power C Treatment Drops
I started using the Zelens Power C Treatment Drops about 5 months or more ago, without too much expectation. There weren’t many reviews up, nor was there a lot of literature on the product. For me, it was a leap of faith.
The formula comes in a frosted glass bottle, and a dropper system. The dropper is very sensitive, which is a good thing. The serum is so expensive, you don’t really want to waste a drop! What I don’t quite like however, is that the screw up cap is apt to loosen on its own. Even when you tighten it, it will loosen of its own accord. For this reason, I will not travel with this serum, as I do not want to have it slathered over the inside of my cosmetics pouch, instead of on my face. Zelens really should fix this.
The texture has a very light oil feel, but sinks into your skin beautifully. I find it so comfortable on my skin, and it even seems to boost hydration. It isn’t drying at all, nor is it a dry oil. I like using it directly after misting my skin, before following up with other products. My rationale is because I want the goodness of this beautiful serum directly on my skin, to do the best it can.
How I use it: Cleanse -> Tone -> Mist -> 3-4 drops of Zelens Power C Treatment Drops -> Hydrating serum (optional) -> Moisturiser -> Sunscreen
I usually use this only in the day, although I do sometimes pop it on my skin at night too.
I noticed results about just 1 week into using the product. My skin felt and looked smoother, and brighter, clearer and more even toned. I had stopped using Vitamin C for a little while since my Dr. Brandt ran out (and I was experimenting in-between with other Vitamin C serums that didn’t do very much for me). My skin looked better in the mornings when I wake up, my colouring remained mostly even through the day, and my skin just felt so much better.
What I was impressed with also, was how quickly it faded marks on my skin caused by itchy fingers picking at blackheads and spots 😛 Towards the end of 2017, I started experiencing terribly clogged pores on my face, especially around my chin, and large, painful pimples that would come up, subside, and then return. When I eventually cured the problem (lots and LOTS of moisture) I was left with marks, where my fingers had picked at them.
I was using the Sephora Vitamin C serum in this time, and you know what? It did nothing. The marks were still there. When I returned to using this Zelens Power C Treatment Drops, the marks faded and all but disappeared in a week. I was stunned. Primarily, because I wasn’t paying too much attention, until I realised I did not have to use concealer on my chin anymore.
So you may wonder, why the pigmentation on my cheeks are still there, if this is such a powerful product? It’s simple, I’ve since had it diagnosed, and it’s a genetic issue that penetrates far below the epidermis, so topical products really do shit for me LOL! For this reason, I’m glad I stopped using whitening products and started concentrating on having healthy skin 🙂
The other thing I love is that there is no fake orange or citrus scent in this serum. There is no discernible scent to me at all, which is great. I absolutely cannot stand products with that artificial zesty orange scent, just because it contains SOME Vitamin C. Ugh!! 😛
And I also love that it is chockfull of moisturising lipids and fatty acids that make this such a lush and luxurious product. Truly, as expensive as it is, it is worth every single penny I paid for it, and I will repurchase in a heartbeat.
Ok, not in a heartbeat. I will have to physically save for this one, because the price is so mind-bogglingly prohibitive, especially when faced with a poor £ to RM exchange rate, but I shall persevere, because this is THE BEST Vitamin C serum I have ever used!
IN A NUTSHELL
The Zelens Power C High Potency Vitamin C Treatment Drops is a Vitamin C serum that contains 20% Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate. It has a light oil texture, and glides on skin, sinking in very quickly. It leaves my skin feeling lush and moisturised, and noticeably brighter and more even-toned with regular use. If used twice a day, you will notice effects faster. I now use it once a day, in the morning, to boost my sunscreen protection. It fades my pimple marks very effectively and quickly, and is not drying at all. Most importantly, it makes my skin look and feel healthy, clear, bright and even toned. It is THE BEST Vitamin C serum I’ve ever used and one I will repurchase without thinking too hard about it (unless of course, I can’t afford it then).
PROS: Lightweight oil based texture sinks quickly and comfortably into the skin, Moisturising, Brightens and clarifies skin tone, Fades post-inflammation pigmentation or marks caused by pimples quickly, Skin feels smoother and more supple with regular use
CONS: Cap has a tendency to loosen – do not pick up the bottle by its cap, Pricey
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who can afford a very expensive skincare product, Anyone who wants a fast-acting, effective Vitamin C serum
PRICE: £125 | US$210 for 30ml
WHERE TO BUY: Cult Beauty, Selfridges, Net-a-Porter
If you’re interested, here is the ingredient list for the Zelens Power C Treatment Drops.
Have you tried this Zelens Power C or any other Zelens products? Have you heard of it?
Having had such a good experience with the Power C, I want to try the Power A next. Perhaps, it might change my personal experience with retinol (it hasn’t been good thus far) so I’ll be saving my kidney for that one LOL! 😀
Paris B
I think I’ll stick to the Dr Brandt one thanks after seeing that pricetag!! ?
Actually, if you do the math, 2 bottles of Dr. Brandt is just about one bottle of this. It’s just that the outlay is higher up front 😉 Not that I’m justifying it, but just saying that if you’re using Dr. Brandt then this one’s worth thinking about. But save for it.
Its so expensive. Sigh..Will stick with Hylamide for now as I cant even afford the Dr Brandt one. Thanks for the review as always.
That is most certainly is. It is about double of the Dr. Brandt so those already using Dr. Brandt can consider this one, but Hylamide C25 is a decent product for what it costs. This one’s aspirational, but for practical purposes, the Hylamide does the trick too 🙂
Such lush product and brand! This, together with Vitamin A and Provitamin D are in my wishlist eversince I saw Lady Hirons talked about the brand overview in her YouTube video. One noob question though, since there is limit value for customs duty for imported goods, how do you go about it?
I definitely have my eye on Power A! Soon..hopefully. Or when I strike lottery LOL! As for customs I just suck it up and pay cos I know it will exceed the limit. Cult Beauty’s local logistics provider will sort it out for you and then deliver it on. Good thing buying from them and also cos they remove the VAT so in the end it’s about the same. Hope this helps! Oh but if you mean for other things I buy below the limit ie RM500 (they include shipping in calculating so be careful) or take a chance with regular mail.
You pay the customs duty to the delivery guys right?
Hi Amy, if your parcel is being delivered by a courier ( DHL/UPS/Aramex), when the parcel reaches the country and goes through customs, the couriers will act as a broker to handle the item for you. They will usually give you a call to confirm with you before they proceed. Their fee is usually around RM50 irregardless the cost of the item. Customs then add up the cost of your product according to their schedule of exchange and will include freight charges in it too before they take the overall 6% GST, so more often than not, this usually accounts for 10% of your overall cost. Which I think is fair as it used to be more like 30-40% before the govt introduced gst (I have been shopping online for more than 10 years). However, if you’re buying from a site that allows for duties and taxes to be pre calculated before you check out, by all means TAKE IT! Because once it arrives in the country, the courier will handle the charges and you will not be charged anymore additional fees. Not to mention, it clears customs much faster (except in instances where you buy something questionable :P).
In this case, yes. Cult Beauty uses a logistics company to handle their delivery, and if there’s tax payable, they will notify you of the tax amount and their service charge (just under RM50). Once you pay them (Bank transfer) they will process it with the customs and then deliver it to you after that. You don’t pay cash to the delivery guys per se, but to the company before they process delivery.
I think I will pass on this because of the essential oils. Have you tried the Ordinary’s tetraisopalmitate C serum? I think that may be a better bet for your wallet with similar efficacy.
I love it cos of the oils haha! But I can imagine it might irritate sensitive skins. Especially with the high % too. I do have my eye on the Ordinary one. Since I discovered this new version of vitamin c I did some research and that popped up. That said I haven’t had a lot of luck with The Ordinary as a brand so I don’t have my hopes up very high. Sometimes a great ingredient can be let down by formulation which is often what happens with me and The Ordinary. But its very affordable that much I agree!
Hi Paris
I am having the same problem as you were before- clogged pores on my chin :’(
May I know what kind of products you used to boost hydration?
Would love some recommendations.
Have a nice day!
Hi Christina, sorry I’m late getting back to you, and I do hope your problem has resolved itself for you. For me, I know that when my chin area gets clogged, it’s usually attributable also to my digestion and food intake. So, I cut back to eating more fresh fruit and vege and less meats (Beef in particular breaks me out occasionally). For my skincare during that period, I went heavy with hydration. A mist between each layer of skincare, and an intensive hydrating program in the day – Hada Labo Premium Lotion was a good lotion cum serum for me – and at night. It soon resolved Hope this helps!
I’ve been adding this to cart and removing it for the past few months! I want to try it so bad and this review is definitely a push factor! I’m just a little scared because of our local customs. So unpredictable. Maybe I’ll get it sent to my friend in Singapore and get her to bring it back to me. HAHAHA! The other thing I want to try is the Kat Burki Vitamin C cream. Heard good things about it. My skin loves vitamin C 🙂
Here’s another push Lily – There’s a one time use code of YOU15 on Cult Beauty right now. That, coupled with the VAT deduction and the free ship might just push you over the edge hehe… I find the logistics forwarder that CB uses these days are a bit enthusiastic about customs declaration so you can certainly expect to be taxed, which you pay to them, and they’ll sort everything out for you. Well, just in case you decide to bite the bullet 😉
How does this product compare to Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ?
Hi Claudia, I’m afraid I haven’t tried the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic so I can’t compare, sorry! But I’ve heard that that one is quite an amazing product too!
How funny, I recently tried a sample of a vitamin C serum which also contains 20% Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate 🙂 It’s from an Australian brand called Aspect (a cosmoceutical brand) and it is their Extreme C 20. I think I will give that full version a go first, before considering this hella expensive serum! The Aspect serum isn’t very cheap either, but it’s peanuts compared to this one LOL I do like the ingredient list of the Zelens serum though 🙂
Yay for finding a product that you love Paris! 😀
Yes, I sadly love this serum. On the bright side however, I’ve found that due to the oily texture, and how much I use each time, I’ve managed to get it to stretch so that’s not a bad thing! And that’s interesting that you found a local brand with such a high concentration of Vit C! I see that it’s on Adore beauty. Maybe I’ll try it! 😀
Hi Paris, I’ve been a silent reader for more than a decade. Its my first question here, a burning question :)) would like to ask where did u get your pigmentation/dark spots diagnosed? I would like to get mine diagnosed too! As I feel that my freckles are getting darker or increasing I’m not very sure but it is beginning to bother me…
I admit is is genetic as my mum used to have it but as she hit 50yo all her pigmentation of her cheeks disappeared god knows how..
Anyway,looking forward to your reply. Many thanks
Hi Shia 🙂 I was contemplating doing laser treatments so I went to one of the aesthetics clinics around town and scheduled a consultation with them. They took a look at them, and told me that due to the nature of how my dark spots looked, it was more than just UV damage and was a deepset problem. Of course, this will come with a suggestion to have laser treatments done, and the cost. So, you just have to be sure if laser is something you want to consider doing. Also, how lucky that your Mum’s skin cleared up so suddenly! It’s certainly very unusual
I purchased Zelens Power C (10ml) and it has a strong odor. I am not sure if it is old. I purchased it online. How can I tell if it is old. Is there an expiration code on the box? Thank you, Diane